Sakata Seed America Welcomes New Sweet Pepper Lead and Senior Plant Breeder
MYERS, FL - Plant Breeders are the rocket scientists of the produce industry. Without their expertise, we would not have the chance to enjoy such a wide variety of high-quality fruits and veg. A well-known industry plant breeder, Brian Just, was recently nabbed by Sakata Seed America as its new Sweet Pepper Lead and Senior Plant Breeder. Just brings over 15 years of sweet pepper breeding to the role, previously working with companies like Seminis, Monsanto, and Bayer. He joins an already robust team of passionate personnel leading Sakata’s sweet pepper program. With the addition of Just, Sakata will continue to build a strong sweet pepper program at the forefront of innovation and quality.
“I am very excited to join a company with a reputation like Sakata’s. It takes pride in what it does and invests in the future of our industry. I believe the success of a breeding program is driven by the creativity and the vision of the breeding group and the support of the wider commercial team. I look forward to what we can accomplish together,” stated Just in a press release.
Just boasts 19 issued germplasm and trait patents with several industry-leading products worldwide in the sweet pepper category. His work in markets including the U.S., Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia, Europe, and Israel will help Sakata solidify and expand its role as a global leader in the sweet pepper segment and beyond.
“Brian is well-known and greatly respected in the industry for his influential work driving breeding efforts forward in a highly collaborative way. We are excited to welcome Brian and look forward to his contributions to the team as we continue to strive to breed and produce the best genetics in the market,” said Jeff Zischke, Senior Director of Research and Development.
Brian Just obtained his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 and holds a Master’s Degree in Plant Breeding from Cornell University.
Congratulations to Sakata Seed America and Brian Just on this exciting opportunity!
